Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1999 Reference No: 5070J-001 Movement No: 3’146’277 Case No: 4’052’656 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27-70, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated April 4, 1999 and stamped Patek Philippe SA, Salons de Genève, fitted wooden presentation box, leather envelope, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 5070 enjoys a unique position in Patek Philippe’s history as one of the largest watches the brand produced and the last chronograph to use a modified, Lemania 2310-based ébauche before Patek Philippe switched to their in-house caliber with the introduction of the reference 5170.
A worthy and highly anticipated successor to the classic reference 1463 chronograph, which was removed from production in the 1960s, when released in 1998 the 5070 also featured a water-resistant case with a screw-down case back. First released in 18K yellow gold with a black dial, like the present example, the manufacture drew inspiration for the design of the 5070 from a unique, split-seconds chronograph wristwatch from the early 1950s: the extraordinary reference 2512, which measured at an incredible 46.2mm in diameter with influences from the Art Deco period and large aviator’s watches. The reference 2512 is currently housed in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva. Later produced in white gold, rose gold, and platinum, the yellow gold reference 5070 was discontinued soon after its launch, yet is the most faithful to the original design inspiration, the 2512.
The present Patek Philippe chronograph from 1999 is offered for the first time at auction and is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and presentation box.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
